Method and Apparatus for Advancing an Absorbent Article

ABSTRACT

A converting apparatus operates to transfer a folded absorbent article from a first carrier apparatus to a second carrier apparatus. The converting apparatus includes a transfer apparatus and a guide member located adjacent to the transfer apparatus, forming a gap there between. The transfer apparatus includes a frame that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a transfer member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The transfer member defines a receiving surface and the guide member defines a guide surface. The guide surface converges toward the receiving surface. The frame advances the absorbent article in a machine direction through the gap. While advancing absorbent article advances through the gap, the transfer member rotates the absorbent article about the second axis of rotation. The guide member includes side seam tuckers that are adapted to tuck the side seams of the absorbent article.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses formanufacturing absorbent articles, and more particularly, methods andapparatuses for advancing an absorbent article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Along an assembly line, various types of articles, such as, diapers, maybe assembled by adding components to and/or otherwise modifying anadvancing, continuous web of material. For example, in some processes,advancing webs of material are combined with other advancing webs ofmaterial. In other examples, individual components created fromadvancing webs of material are combined with advancing webs of material,which in turn, are then combined with other advancing webs of material.In some cases, individual components created from advancing web or websare combined with other individual components created from otheradvancing web or webs. Webs of material and component parts used tomanufacture diapers may include: backsheets, topsheets, leg cuffs, waistbands, absorbent core components, front and/or back ears, fasteningcomponents, and various types of elastic webs and components such as legelastics, barrier leg cuff elastics, stretch side panels, and waistelastics. Once the desired component parts are assembled, the advancingwebs and component parts are subjected to a final knife cut to separatethe webs into discrete diapers or other absorbent articles.

After the final knife cut, absorbent articles may undergo a foldingprocess to bring front and rear waist regions together. In someprocesses, the folded absorbent articles may be rotated prior topackaging. For example, in some processes, the folded absorbent articlemay advance in a sideways orientation and may be rotated about 90degrees to a desired orientation for packaging. Some processes forrotating a folded absorbent article 10 may hold the front waist region12 of the absorbent article 10 while the rear waist region 14 isunrestricted from movement, such as shown in FIG. 1. Other processes mayhold the rear waist region 14 of the folded absorbent article 10, whilethe front waist region 12 is unrestricted from movement. The process ofrotating the folded absorbent article 10 may subject the foldedabsorbent article 10 to centrifugal and/or gravitational forces. As aresult, the unrestricted rear waist region 14 of the folded absorbentarticle 10 may be pulled away from the front waist region 12.Consequently, an absorbent article 10 that is not fully 12619M 2 folded,such as instances where the front waist region 12 is not contacting therear waist region 14, may get stuck in downstream processing and/or maycause the folded absorbent articles 10 to be improperly packaged. Insome processes, conveyors or belts may be used to control the movementof the unrestricted waist region. However, friction between the belt orconveyor and the absorbent article 10 may impede the advancement of thefolded absorbent article 10. Therefore, it would be beneficial toprovide a process and apparatus for guiding a folded absorbent articlewithout also impeding the advancement of the folded absorbent article.

In some processes, opposing side seams of a folded absorbent article maybe tucked into the chassis of the absorbent article prior to packaging.Some processes for tucking side seams may utilize vacuum conveyor beltsto hold the front and rear waist regions of the folded absorbent articleapart from each other as side seam tuckers tuck the side seams into thechassis. However, subjecting the folded absorbent article to multiple,discrete processing steps prior to packaging, such as rotating andreorienting the absorbent article and then subsequently tucking the sideseams, adds cost and complexity to the manufacturing process. Therefore,it would be beneficial to provide a single process and apparatus forrotating and tucking side seams of a folded absorbent article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present disclosure may include a method of transferringdiscrete absorbent articles from a first carrier apparatus to a secondcarrier apparatus. Each absorbent article comprises a first waist regionand a second waist region separated by a crotch region. The methodcomprises the steps of: advancing an absorbent article with the firstcarrier apparatus in a machine direction to a transfer apparatus, thetransfer apparatus comprising a transfer member, the transfer memberhaving a receiving surface, wherein the transfer member is connectedwith a frame, wherein a guide member is located adjacent to the transferapparatus, the guide member having a guide surface that is in a facingrelationship with the receiving surface; transferring the absorbentarticle from the first carrier apparatus to the transfer member, whereinthe first waist region is positioned on the receiving surface; advancingthe absorbent article between the receiving surface and the guidesurface by rotating the frame about a first axis of rotation; rotatingthe transfer member about a second axis of rotation as the transferapparatus rotates about the first axis of rotation, wherein the secondaxis of rotation is orthogonal to the first axis of rotation; applying apositive air pressure from the guide surface to the second waist regionof the absorbent article as the absorbent article advances between thereceiving surface and the guide surface; and transferring the absorbentarticle from the transfer apparatus to the second carrier apparatus.

Aspects of the present disclosure may include a method for advancing anabsorbent article, the method comprising the steps of: advancing anabsorbent article in a machine direction to a transfer apparatus, theabsorbent article having a first waist region and a second waist regionseparated by a crotch region, wherein absorbent article is folded suchthat the first waist region is in a facing relationship with the secondwaist region, wherein the transfer apparatus comprises a frame, atransfer member, and a guide member, wherein the transfer member has areceiving surface, wherein the guide member has a guide surface;advancing an absorbent article onto the receiving surface of thetransfer member; rotating the frame about a first axis of rotation toadvance the absorbent article between the receiving surface and theguide surface; separating the second waist region from the first waistregion with centrifugal force; tucking the side seams between theseparated first and second waist regions; and guiding the first waistregion with the guide surface into contact with the second waist region.

Aspects of the present disclosure may include an apparatus forcontrolling an absorbent advancing in a machine direction. The apparatuscomprises a frame rotatable about a first axis of rotation. Theapparatus comprises a transfer member connected with the frame. Thetransfer member has a receiving surface. The apparatus includes a guidemember having a guide surface, and having a first end portion and asecond end portion. The guide member is positioned adjacent to frame soas to define a gap between the receiving surface and the guide surface.The gap defines a first distance between the first end portion of theguide surface and the receiving surface. The second distance is lessthan the first distance. The apparatus comprises a side seam tuckerlocated adjacent to the receiving surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, sectional view of a folded diaper pant subjectedto gravitational and/or centrifugal forces according to prior artmethods.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of a diaper pant.

FIG. 3A is a partially cut-away, plan view of a diaper pant.

FIG. 3B is a partially cut-away, plan view of a diaper pant.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the diaper pants of FIGS. 3A and 3Btaken along line 3C-3C.

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the diaper pants of FIGS. 3A and 3Btaken along line 3D-3D.

FIG. 4A is a schematic, side elevation view of a guide member locatingadjacent to a transfer apparatus for guiding a folded diaper pantadvancing in a machine direction.

FIG. 4B is a schematic, side elevation view of a guide member locatingadjacent to a transfer apparatus for guiding a folded diaper pantadvancing in a machine direction.

FIG. 5A is a schematic, sectional view of a folded diaper pantpositioned in a gap between a guide member and a transfer member.

FIG. 5B is a schematic, sectional view of a folded diaper pantpositioned in a gap between a guide member and a transfer member as sideseam tuckers tuck first and second side seams into a chassis of thefolded diaper pant.

FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective side view of an exemplary guidemember.

FIG. 7 is a schematic, perspective side view of an exemplary guidemember having apertures in a guide surface.

FIG. 8 is a schematic, side elevation view of a guide member locatingadjacent to a transfer apparatus for guiding a folded diaper pantadvancing in a machine direction.

FIG. 9A is a schematic, plan view of a folded diaper pant in a firstorientation.

FIG. 9B is a schematic, plan view of a folded diaper pant in a secondorientation.

FIG. 10 is a schematic, side elevation view a transfer apparatus havinga frame in the form of a drum.

FIG. 11A is a schematic, sectional view of a folded diaper pantpositioned in a gap between a transfer member and a guide member.

FIG. 11B is a schematic, sectional view of a folded diaper pant havingside seams that are tucked into a chassis of the folded diaper pantusing side seam tuckers.

FIG. 11C is a schematic, sectional view of a folded diaper pant havingside seams that are tucked into a chassis of the folded diaper pantusing side seam tuckers.

FIG. 12 is a schematic, sectional view of a folded diaper pant havingside seams that are tucked into a chassis of the folded diaper pantusing a guide member.

FIG. 13 is a schematic, side elevation view of a guide member locatedadjacent to a transfer apparatus having a rotating zone and a tuckingzone.

FIG. 14 is a schematic, side elevation view of a guide member locatedadjacent to a tucking zone of a transfer apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a schematic, side elevation view of a transfer apparatuslocated adjacent to a guide member comprising a plurality of rollers.

FIG. 16 is a schematic, side elevation view of a transfer apparatuslocated adjacent to a guide member comprising a conveyor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following definitions may be useful in understanding the presentdisclosure:

“Absorbent article” is used herein to refer to consumer products whoseprimary function is to absorb and retain soils and wastes. “Diaper” isused herein to refer to an absorbent article generally worn by infantsand incontinent persons about the lower torso. The term “disposable” isused herein to describe absorbent articles which generally are notintended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbentarticle (e.g., they are intended to be discarded after a single use andmay also be configured to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposedof in an environmentally compatible manner).

“Joined” is used herein to encompass configurations whereby an elementis directly secured to another element by affixing the element directlyto the other element, and configurations whereby an element isindirectly secured to another element by affixing the element tointermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.

“Longitudinal” means a direction running substantially perpendicularfrom a waist edge to a longitudinally opposing waist edge of anabsorbent article when the article is in a flat out, uncontracted state,or from a waist edge to the bottom of the crotch, i.e. the fold line, ina bi-folded article. Directions within 45 degrees of the longitudinaldirection are considered to be “longitudinal.” “Lateral” refers to adirection running from a longitudinally extending side edge to alaterally opposing longitudinally extending side edge of an article andgenerally at a right angle to the longitudinal direction. Directionswithin 45 degrees of the lateral direction are considered to be“lateral.”

“Substrate” is used herein to describe a material which is primarilytwo-dimensional (i.e. in an XY plane) and whose thickness (in a Zdirection) is relatively small (i.e. 1/10 or less) in comparison to thesubstrate's length (in an X direction) and width (in a Y direction).Non-limiting examples of substrates include a web, layer or layers orfibrous materials, nonwovens, films and foils such as polymeric films ormetallic foils. These materials may be used alone or may comprise two ormore layers laminated together. As such, a web is a substrate.

“Nonwoven” refers herein to a material made from continuous (long)filaments (fibers) and/or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) byprocesses such as spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, and the like.Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.

“Machine direction” (MD) is used herein to refer to the direction ofmaterial flow through a process. In addition, relative placement andmovement of material can be described as flowing in the machinedirection through a process from upstream in the process to downstreamin the process.

“Cross direction” (CD) is used herein to refer to a direction that isnot parallel with, and usually perpendicular to, the machine direction.

“Pant” (also referred to as “training pant”, “pre-closed diaper”,“diaper pant”, “pant diaper”, and “pull-on diaper”) refers herein todisposable absorbent articles having a continuous perimeter waistopening and continuous perimeter leg openings designed for infant oradult wearers. A pant can be configured with a continuous or closedwaist opening and at least one continuous, closed, leg opening prior tothe article being applied to the wearer. A pant can be preformed byvarious techniques including, but not limited to, joining togetherportions of the article using any refastenable and/or permanent closuremember (e.g., seams, heat bonds, pressure welds, adhesives, cohesivebonds, mechanical fasteners, etc.). A pant can be preformed anywherealong the circumference of the article in the waist region (e.g., sidefastened or seamed, front waist fastened or seamed, rear waist fastenedor seamed).

“Pre-fastened” refers herein to pant diapers manufactured and providedto consumers in a configuration wherein the front waist region and theback waist region are fastened or connected to each other as packaged,prior to being applied to the wearer. As such pant diapers may have acontinuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openingsdesigned for infant or adult wearers. As discussed in more detail below,a diaper pant can be preformed by various techniques including, but notlimited to, joining together portions of the diaper using refastenableand/or permanent closure members (e.g., seams, heat bonds, pressurewelds, adhesives, cohesive bonds, mechanical fasteners, etc.). Inaddition, pant diapers can be preformed anywhere along the circumferenceof the waist region (e.g., side fastened or connected, front waistfastened or connected, rear waist fastened or connected).

Aspects of the present disclosure involve methods and apparatuses formanufacturing absorbent articles, and more particularly, methods andapparatuses for controlling an advancing folded absorbent article. Asdiscussed in more detail below, in a converting process, foldedabsorbent articles may be transferred onto a transfer apparatus. Thetransfer apparatus may be adapted to rotate and reorient the foldedabsorbent articles. During the rotating and reorienting process, thefolded absorbent articles may be subjected to centrifugal and/orgravitational forces. The converting apparatus may include a guidemember that is located adjacent to the transfer apparatus and that isconfigured to control the movement of the advancing, folded absorbentarticles. In addition, the guide member may be configured to perform aside seam tucking operation while the folded absorbent articles areadvancing on the transfer apparatus.

The folded discrete absorbent article may include a chassis havinglongitudinally opposing first waist and second waist regions separatedby a crotch region. The discrete absorbent article may be folded in aU-shape to bring the first waist region into a facing relationship withthe second waist region. A ring-like elastic belt may connect the firstwaist region and the second waist region. The ring-like elastic belt mayinclude a first elastic belt and a second elastic belt. The first andsecond elastic belts may each be defined by a first end region and asecond end region laterally separated by a central region. The first endregions of the first and second elastic belts may be joined to form afirst side seam and the second end regions of the first and secondelastic belts may be joined to form a second side seam.

A converting apparatus of the present disclosure includes a transferapparatus for advancing a folded absorbent article from a first carrierapparatus to a second carrier apparatus. The transfer apparatus includesa frame and a plurality of transfer members rotatably connected with theframe. The frame is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and thetransfer members are rotatable about a second axis of rotation. Thefirst axis of rotation extends in a different direction than the secondaxis of rotation. The first axis of rotation may be orthogonal to thesecond axis of rotation. The transfer members may define a receivingsurface. The converting apparatus also includes a guide member locatedadjacent to the frame and forming a gap there between. The guide membermay include a guide surface that is in a facing relationship with areceiving surface of the transfer member.

In operation, the first waist region of the folded absorbent article maybe transferred from the first carrier apparatus to the transferapparatus. The folded absorbent article may advance onto the receivingsurface of the transfer member. The transfer apparatus advances thefolded absorbent article in a machine direction about the first axis ofrotation. The transfer member may concurrently rotate the foldedabsorbent article about the second axis of rotation. The transferapparatus advances the folded absorbent article through a gap betweenthe receiving surface and the guide surface. The folded absorbentarticle then advances from the transfer apparatus to the second carrierapparatus.

The guide member operates to limit movement of the second waist regioncaused by centrifugal and/or gravitational forces that may act on theadvancing folded absorbent article as the absorbent articles advance inthe machine direction about the first axis of rotation. It is to beappreciated that limiting the movement of the second waist region mayassist the absorbent article in advancing to the second carrierapparatus while also controlling the desired orientation of the foldedabsorbent article for a downstream packaging operation.

In some exemplary configurations, the guide surface of the guide membermay have a curved shape that corresponds with the curved shape of thereceiving surface. In addition, the guide surface may converge towardthe receiving surface of the transfer member as the folded absorbentarticle advances in the machine direction. More particularly, the gapbetween the guide surface and the receiving surface may be defined by aminimum distance. In some exemplary configurations, the gap may define afirst distance at a first end portion of the guide member and seconddistance at a second end portion of the guide member. The seconddistance is shorter than the first distance. As a result, the guidemember may guide the first and second waist regions of the foldedabsorbent article together in a fully folded configuration. The guidesurface may be configured such that the coefficient of friction betweenthe guide surface and the folded absorbent article is relatively low inorder to assist the folded absorbent article in advancing in the machinedirection.

In some exemplary configurations, a tucking process may be used alongwith the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein. For example, portionsof the first and second end regions of the first and second elasticbelts, including the first and second side seams, may be tucked into thechassis of the absorbent article as the absorbent advances through thegap between the transfer member and the guide member. As the secondwaist region is pulled away from the first waist region by centrifugaland/or gravitational force, a side seam tucker is adapted to tuck theside seams into the chassis. As the minimum distance of the gapdecreases, the second waist region is brought toward the first waistregion. Bringing the first waist region toward the second waist regionmay hold assist in holding the first and second side seams tucked intothe chassis.

As previously mentioned, the processes and apparatuses discussed hereinmay be used to guide an advancing, folded absorbent article. To helpprovide additional context to the subsequent discussion, the followingprovides a general description of absorbent articles in the form ofdiaper pants that may be guided in accordance with the methods andapparatuses disclosed herein. While the present disclosure relates toadvancing absorbent articles in the form of diapers pants, it is to beappreciated that the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein may beused with various types of absorbent articles in folded or unfoldedconfigurations. Furthermore, the methods and apparatuses disclosedherein may be used to guide partially assembled diaper components and/ordiaper chassis in a variety of converting operations.

FIGS. 2 and 3A show an example of a diaper pant 100 that may beassembled and folded in accordance with the apparatuses and methodsdisclosed herein. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of adiaper pant 100 in a pre-fastened configuration and FIG. 3A shows a planview of the diaper pant 100 with the portion of the diaper that facesaway from a wearer oriented toward the viewer. The diaper pant 100 shownin FIGS. 2 and 3A includes a chassis 102 and a ring-like elastic belt104. As discussed below in more detail, a first elastic belt 106 and asecond elastic belt 108 are connected together to form the ring-likeelastic belt 104.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A, the chassis 102 includes a firstwaist region 116, a second waist region 118, and a crotch region 120disposed intermediate the first and second waist regions. The firstwaist region 116 may be configured as a front waist region, and thesecond waist region 118 may be configured as back waist region. In someembodiments, the length of each of the front waist region 116, backwaist region 118, and crotch region 120 may be one-third of the lengthof the absorbent article 100. The diaper 100 may also include alaterally extending front waist edge 121 in the front waist region 116and a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist edge122 in the back waist region 118. To provide a frame of reference forthe present discussion, the diaper 100 and chassis 102 of FIG. 3A areshown with a longitudinal axis 124 and a lateral axis 126. In someembodiments, the longitudinal axis 124 may extend through the frontwaist edge 121 and through the back waist edge 122. And the lateral axis126 may extend through a first longitudinal or right side edge 128 andthrough a midpoint of a second longitudinal or left side edge 130 of thechassis 102.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the diaper pant 100 may include an inner,body facing surface 132, and an outer, garment facing surface 134. Thechassis 102 may include a backsheet 136 and a topsheet 138. The chassis102 may also include an absorbent assembly 140, including an absorbentcore 142, disposed between a portion of the topsheet 138 and thebacksheet 136. As discussed in more detail below, the diaper 100 mayalso include other features, such as leg elastics and/or leg cuffs toenhance the fit around the legs of the wearer.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the periphery of the chassis 102 may be defined bythe first longitudinal side edge 128, a second longitudinal side edge130, a first laterally extending end edge 144 disposed in the firstwaist region 116, and a second laterally extending end edge 146 disposedin the second waist region 118. Both side edges 128 and 130 extendlongitudinally between the first end edge 144 and the second end edge146. As shown in FIG. 3A, the laterally extending end edges 144 and 146are located longitudinally inward from the laterally extending frontwaist edge 121 in the front waist region 116 and the laterally extendingback waist edge 122 in the back waist region 118. When the diaper pant100 is worn on the lower torso of a wearer, the front waist edge 121 andthe back waist edge 122 of the chassis 102 may encircle a portion of thewaist of the wearer. At the same time, the chassis side edges 128 and130 may encircle at least a portion of the legs of the wearer. And thecrotch region 120 may be generally positioned between the legs of thewearer with the absorbent core 142 extending from the front waist region116 through the crotch region 120 to the back waist region 118.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the diaper 100 may also include elasticized legcuffs 156. It is to be appreciated that the leg cuffs 156 can be and aresometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs,elastic cuffs or gasketing cuffs. The elasticized leg cuffs 156 may beconfigured in various ways to help reduce the leakage of body exudatesin the leg regions. Example leg cuffs 156 may include those described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003; 4,909,803; 4,695,278; 4,795,454; 4,704,115;4,909,803; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/434,984.

As mentioned above, diaper pants may be manufactured with a ring-likeelastic belt 104 and provided to consumers in a configuration whereinthe front waist region 116 and the back waist region 118 are connectedto each other as packaged, prior to being applied to the wearer. Assuch, diaper pants 100 may have a continuous perimeter waist opening 110and continuous perimeter leg openings 112 such as shown in FIG. 2.

As previously mentioned, the ring-like elastic belt 104 is defined by afirst elastic belt 106 connected with a second elastic belt 108. Asshown in FIG. 3A, the first elastic belt 106 defines first and secondopposing end regions 106 a, 106 b and a central region 106 c, and thesecond elastic 108 belt defines first and second opposing end regions108 a, 108 b and a central region 108 c.

The central region 106 c of the first elastic belt is connected with thefirst waist region 116 of the chassis 102, and the central region 108 cof the second elastic belt 108 is connected with the second waist region118 of the chassis 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the first end region 106 aof the first elastic belt 106 is connected with the first end region 108a of the second elastic belt 108 at first side seam 178, and the secondend region 106 b of the first elastic belt 106 is connected with thesecond end region 108 b of the second elastic belt 108 at second sideseam 180 to define the ring-like elastic belt 104 as well as the waistopening 110 and leg openings 112.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3D, the first elastic belt 106 alsodefines an outer lateral edge 107 a and an inner lateral edge 107 b, andthe second elastic belt 108 defines an outer lateral edge 109 a and aninner lateral edge 109 b. The outer lateral edges 107 a, 109 a may alsodefine the front waist edge 121 and the laterally extending back waistedge 122. The first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 mayalso each include an outer, garment facing layer 162 and an inner,wearer facing layer 164. It is to be appreciated that the first elasticbelt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may comprise the same materialsand/or may have the same structure. In some embodiments, the firstelastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt may comprise differentmaterials and/or may have different structures. It should also beappreciated that the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt108 may be constructed from various materials. For example, the firstand second belts may be manufactured from materials such as plasticfilms; apertured plastic films; woven or nonwoven webs of naturalmaterials (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g.,polyolefins, polyamides, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylenefibers) or a combination of natural and/or synthetic fibers; or coatedwoven or nonwoven webs. In some embodiments, the first and secondelastic belts include a nonwoven web of synthetic fibers, and mayinclude a stretchable nonwoven. In other embodiments, the first andsecond elastic belts include an inner hydrophobic, non-stretchablenonwoven material and an outer hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwovenmaterial.

The first and second elastic belts 106, 108 may also each include beltelastic material interposed between the outer layer 162 and the innerlayer 164. The belt elastic material may include one or more elasticelements such as strands, ribbons, or panels extending along the lengthsof the elastic belts. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3D, the belt elasticmaterial may include a plurality of elastic strands 168 which may bereferred to herein as outer, waist elastics 170 and inner, waistelastics 172. As shown in FIG. 3A, the elastic strands 168 continuouslyextend laterally between the first and second opposing end regions 106a, 106 b of the first elastic belt 106 and between the first and secondopposing end regions 108 a, 108 b of the second elastic belt 108. Insome embodiments, some elastic strands 168 may be configured withdiscontinuities in areas, such as for example, where the first andsecond elastic belts 106, 108 overlap the absorbent assembly 140. Insome embodiments, the elastic strands 168 may be disposed at a constantinterval in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, theelastic strands 168 may be disposed at different intervals in thelongitudinal direction. The belt elastic material in a stretchedcondition may be interposed and joined between the uncontracted outerlayer and the uncontracted inner layer. When the belt elastic materialis relaxed, the belt elastic material returns to an unstretchedcondition and contracts the outer layer and the inner layer. The beltelastic material may provide a desired variation of contraction force inthe area of the ring-like elastic belt.

It is to be appreciated that the chassis 102 and elastic belts 106, 108may be configured in different ways other than as depicted in FIG. 3A.For example, FIG. 3B shows a plan view of a diaper pant 100 having thesame components as described above with reference to FIG. 3A, except thefirst laterally extending end edge 144 of the chassis 102 is alignedalong and coincides with the outer lateral edge 107 a of the firstelastic belt 106, and the second laterally extending end edge 146 isaligned along and coincides with the outer lateral edge 109 a of thesecond belt 108.

Components of the disposable absorbent article (i.e., diaper, disposablepant, adult incontinence article, sanitary napkin, pantiliner, etc.)described in this specification can at least partially be comprised ofbio-sourced content as described in US 2007/0219521A1 Hird et alpublished on Sep. 20, 2007, US 2011/0139658A1 Hird et al published onJun. 16, 2011, US 2011/0139657A1 Hird et al published on Jun. 16, 2011,US 2011/0152812A1 Hird et al published on Jun. 23, 2011, US2011/0139662A1 Hird et al published on Jun. 16, 2011, and US2011/0139659A1 Hird et al published on Jun. 16, 2011. These componentsinclude, but are not limited to, topsheet nonwovens, backsheet films,backsheet nonwovens, side panel nonwovens, barrier leg cuff nonwovens,super absorbent, nonwoven acquisition layers, core wrap nonwovens,adhesives, fastener hooks, and fastener landing zone nonwovens and filmbases.

In at least one exemplary configuration, a disposable absorbent articlecomponent comprises a bio-based content value from about 10% to about100% using ASTM D6866-10, method B, in another embodiment, from about25% to about 75%, and in yet another embodiment, from about 50% to about60% using ASTM D6866-10, method B.

In order to apply the methodology of ASTM D6866-10 to determine thebio-based content of any disposable absorbent article component, arepresentative sample of the disposable absorbent article component mustbe obtained for testing. In at least one embodiment, the disposableabsorbent article component can be ground into particulates less thanabout 20 mesh using known grinding methods (e.g., Wiley® mill), and arepresentative sample of suitable mass taken from the randomly mixedparticles.

As discussed above, the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein may beused to guide an advancing, folded diaper pant that is subjected tocentrifugal and/or gravitational forces. FIGS. 4A and 4B show anexemplary converting apparatus 200 for guiding a folded diaper pant 101.The converting apparatus 200 includes a transfer apparatus 220 having aframe 228 and a plurality of transfer members 230 rotatably connectedwith the frame 228. The frame 228 may be configured to rotate about afirst axis of rotation 232 and the transfer members 230 may beconfigured to concurrently rotate about a second axis of rotation 234that extends in a different direction than the first axis of rotation232. Each transfer member 230 is defined by a receiving surface 246.Exemplary transfer apparatuses are described in U.S. Patent Applicationtitled, “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHANGING THE ORIENTATION OF ANABSORBENT ARTICLE,” Atty. Docket 12618, filed Oct. 26, 2012. Theconverting apparatus 200 includes a guide member 202 located adjacent tothe frame 228 of the transfer apparatus 220 as to define a gap 210 therebetween. The guide member 202 includes a guide surface 204 that ispositioned in a facing relationship with the receiving surfaces 246 ofthe transfer members 230. The converting apparatus 200 may include afirst carrier apparatus 236 positioned adjacent to a first end portion206 of the guide member 202 and a second carrier apparatus 238positioned adjacent to a second end portion 208 of the guide member 202.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B, in operation, a folded diaper pant 101may advance in a machine direction MD onto the first carrier apparatus236. The outer surface 134 of the second waist region 118 of the foldeddiaper pant 101 may contact the first carrier apparatus 236 and theouter surface 134 of the first waist region 116 may face away from thefirst carrier apparatus 236. It is to be appreciated that the foldeddiaper pants 101 may be subjected to various methods and apparatuses ofassembly and construction between being received by the first carrierapparatus 236. Examples of such upstream processes and apparatuses aredisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/447,531, filed Apr. 16,2012; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/447,544, filed Apr. 16, 2012;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/447,568, filed Apr. 16, 2012; andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/447,585, filed Apr. 16, 2012.

It is to be appreciated that the first and second carrier apparatusesmay be configured in various ways. For example, the first and secondcarrier apparatuses 236, 238 from and to which the diaper pants 101 aretransferred may be rolls, drums, curved conveyors, linear conveyors,and/or discrete heads following a curvilinear path, for example. Thefirst and second carrier apparatuses 236, 238 may be moving at adifferent surface velocity or at the same surface velocity. The transferapparatus 220 may pick up the folded diaper pant 101 from the firstcarrier apparatus 236 at the same velocity as is applied to the foldeddiaper pant 101 at the second carrier apparatus 238.

From the first carrier apparatus 236, the outer surface 134 of the firstwaist region 116 of the folded diaper pant 101 may advance onto areceiving surface 246 of a transfer member 230 as shown in FIG. 4B. Thefolded diaper pant 101 may be fully folded (for example, the innersurface 132 of the first waist region 116 is in contact with the innersurface 132 of the second waist region 118) when the folded diaper pant101 advances onto the receiving surface 246 of the transfer member 230.The transfer apparatus 220 may rotate the folded diaper pant 101 in themachine direction MD about a first axis of rotation 232. The transfermember 230 may advance the folded diaper pant 101 through the gap 210between the transfer member 230 and the guide member 202 as shown inFIG. 5A.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5A, as the transfer member 230 rotatesabout the first axis of rotation 232, centrifugal and/or gravitationalforces may pull the second waist region 118 of the folded diaper pant101 in a first direction, A, toward the guide surface 204. As the frame228 rotates about the first axis of rotation 232, the transfer member230 may concurrently rotate about the second axis of rotation 234. Theguide surface 204 may converge towards the receiving surface 246 of thetransfer member 230 such that the inner surface 132 of the second waistregion 118 moves in a second direction, B, toward the first waist region116 as the folded diaper pant 101 advances through the gap 210. As shownin FIG. 5B, and as discussed in more detail below, side seam tuckers 212may be used to tuck the first and second side seams 178 and 180 as thesecond waist region 118 is positioned away from the first waist region116. As the guide surface 204 converges toward the receiving surface246, the second waist region 118 may move in the section direction, B,toward the first waist region 116, thereby holding the first and secondside seams 178, 180 tucked into the chassis 102 of the folded diaperpant 101. As shown in FIG. 4B, the folded diaper pant 101 may advancefrom the gap 210 and onto the second carrier apparatus 238. Vacuum maybe intermittently interrupted to remove the folded diaper pant 101 fromthe receiving surface 246 of the transfer member 230.

As shown in FIG. 6, the guide member 202 includes a guide surface 204.With reference to FIG. 4A, the shape of the guide surface 204 maycorrespond with the shape of the receiving surface 246 of the transfermember 230. For example, the guide surface 204 may be curved, such asshown in FIG. 4A, to match the curved shape of the receiving surfaces246. While it is shown that the guide surface 204 has a curved shape, itis to be appreciated that the guide surface 204 may be configured tohave various other shapes. The guide member 202 may be stationaryrelative to the frame 228. In some exemplary configurations, the guidemember 202 may be connected with the frame 228. It is to be appreciatedthat the guide member 202 may be connected with to the frame 228 invarious ways.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 6, the guide surface 204 may be configured tominimize the coefficient of friction between the guide surface 204 andthe folded diaper pant 101. Exemplary guide surfaces includelow-coefficient of friction plasma coating, polished steel, andpolytetrafluoroethylene. In some configurations, the coefficient offriction between the guide surface 204 and the folded diaper pant 101may be in the range of about 0.2 to about 0.35.

In some exemplary configurations, with reference to FIG. 5A, thecoefficient of friction between the guide surface 204 and the foldeddiaper pant 101 may be further reduced by applying a positive pressureto the outer surface 134 of the second waist region 118 of the foldeddiaper pant 101. As shown in FIG. 7, the guide surface 204 may include aplurality of apertures 254. The apertures 254 may be used to apply apositive pressure to the folded diaper pant as the folded diaper pantadvances adjacent to the guide member 202. With reference to FIGS. 4Band 5A, the positive pressure helps to reduce the contact between thefolded diaper pant 101 and the guide surface 204 as the folded diaperpant 101 advances in the machine direction MD. As a result of applying apositive pressure to the folded diaper pant 101, the coefficient offriction may be reduced between the folded diaper pant 101 and the guidesurface 204. In turn, the guide member 202 may limit the movement of thesecond waist region 118 in the first direction, A, without inhibitingthe advancement of the folded diaper pant 101 in the machine directionMD. It is to be appreciated that the apertures 254 shown in FIG. 7 maybe arranged in various configurations on the guide surface 204. Applyinga positive pressure to the folded diaper pant 101 may result in acoefficient of friction between the folded diaper pant 101 and the guidesurface 204 of less than about 0.35.

As previously mentioned, the guide surface 204 may be configured orshaped to converge towards the receiving surface 246 of the transfermember 230. As such, the gap 210 between the receiving surface 246 andthe guide surface 204 may become smaller as the transfer member 230rotates around the first axis of rotation 232. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, the gap 210 may be defined by a minimum distance D between thereceiving surface 246 and the guide surface 204. The receiving surface246 may be located a first distance D₁ from the guide surface 204 whenthe transfer member 230 is relatively near the first end portion 206 ofthe guide member 202. Moreover, the receiving surface 246 may be locateda second distance D₂ from the guide surface 204 when the transfer member230 is relatively near the second end portion 208 of the guide member202. The second distance D₂ may be less than the first distance D₁. As aresult, the diaper pant may be fully folded when the folded diaper pantis located relatively near the second end 208 of the guide member 202.In some exemplary configurations, the minimum distance D from thereceiving surface 246 to the guide surface 204 may gradually decreasefrom the first end portion 206 of the guide member 202 to the second endportion 208 of the guide member 202. However, it is to be appreciatedthat in some exemplary configurations the minimum distance D between thereceiving surface 246 to the guide surface 204 may be constant for alength of the guide member 202 and then may gradually decrease.

Referring back to FIG. 4B, the folded diaper pant 101 may transfer fromthe first carrier apparatus 236 to the transfer apparatus 220 in a firstorientation. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the first orientation 222, thelongitudinal centerline 124 of the folded diaper pant 101 extends in thecross direction CD. The transfer apparatus 220 advances the foldeddiaper pant 101 in the machine direction MD about the first axis ofrotation 232 while the transfer member 230 rotates the folded diaperpant 101 about the second axis of rotation 234. The folded diaper pant101 then advances through the gap 210 between the transfer member 230and the guide member 202. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5A, centrifugaland/or gravitational forces pull the second waist region 118 of thefolded diaper pant 101 in the first direction, A, toward the guidemember 202. The guide member 202 limits movement of the second waistregion 118 in the first direction, A, while allowing the folded diaperpant 101 to advance in the machine direction MD with minimal frictionalresistance between the folded diaper pant 101 and the guide surface 204.As the frame 228 continues rotating about the first axis of rotation232, the minimum distance D decreases. As a result, the second waistregion moves in the second direction, B, and the folded diaper pant 101may fully fold (for example, the first waist region contacts the secondwaist region) before advancing from the gap 210 and onto the secondcarrier apparatus 238. The folded diaper pant 101 is in a secondorientation as the folded diaper pant 101 advances onto the secondcarrier apparatus 238. In the second orientation 224, the longitudinalcenterline 124 of the folded diaper pant 101 extends in the machinedirection MD as shown in FIG. 9B.

The frame 228 of the transfer apparatus 220 may be configured in variousdifferent ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the frame 228 may beconfigured as a drum 248. The drum 248 may include an outercircumferential surface 250 that forms a receiving surface 246 a foradvancing the folded diaper pants 101. The shape of the guide surface204 may be configured to correspond with the curved outercircumferential surface 250 of the drum 248. The receiving surface 246 aand the guide surface 204 are separated by a gap 210. The gap 210 isdefined by a minimum distance D. The gap 210 may have a first distanceD₁ at the first end portion 206 and a second distance D₂ at the secondend portion 208, where the second distance D₂ is shorter than the firstdistance D₁. It is to be appreciated that the frame 228 may beconfigured in various other way for advancing the folded diaper pant inthe machine direction MD; for example, the frame may comprise a conveyoror a series of rollers.

In some exemplary configurations, the first and second end regions ofthe first and second elastic belts, including the first and second sideseams, may be tucked into the chassis of the folded diaper pant as thefolded diaper pant is advanced through the gap between the transfermember and the guide member. As shown in FIG. 11A, the first and secondend regions 107 a, 109 a, and 107 b, 109 b of the first and secondelastic belts 106, 108 may be fully, laterally extended away from eachother as the folded diaper pant 101 advances through the gap 210 betweenthe receiving surface 246 and the guide surface 204. The minimumdistance D between the guide surface 204 and the receiving surface 246may be long enough to allow centrifugal and/or gravitational force tomove the second waist region 118 away from the first waist region 116,side seam tuckers 212 may be used to push the first and second endregions 107 a, 109 a, and 107 b, 109 b of the first and second elasticbelts 106, 108 into the chassis 102 of the folded diaper pant 101.Tucking the first and second side end regions 107 a, 109 a, and 107 b,109 b of the first and second elastic belts 106, 108 into the chassis102 creates longitudinal fold lines 166. As the folded diaper pant 101advances through the gap 210, the guide member 202 converges toward thereceiving surface 246 and the minimum distance D decreases. As a result,the second waist region 118 moves closer to the first waist region 116and the first and second waist regions 116, 118 act to hold the firstand second side seams 178, 180 in a tucked configuration between thefirst and second waist regions 116, 118.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11A-11C, it is to be appreciated thatthe first and second end regions 107 a, 109 a and 107 b, 109 b of thefirst and second elastic belts 106, 108 may be tucked using varioustechniques. For example, the side seam tuckers 212 may be configured asair jets or rotating blades. Various methods and apparatuses for tuckingside seams are disclosed in: U.S. Patent Publication No.US2011/0247747A1, published on Oct. 13, 2011, U.S. Patent PublicationNo. US2011/0251038A1, published Oct. 13, 2011; and U.S. Pat. Nos.6,523,035 and 6,776,316. In some exemplary configurations, the side seamtuckers 212 may be integral with the guide member 202, such as shown inFIG. 12. The guide member 202 may be configured with side seam tuckers212 in the form of tucking members 218 that direct the first and secondend regions 107 a, 109 a and 107 b, 109 b into the chassis 102. Thetucking members 218 may be adapted to apply positive air pressure to thefirst and second end regions 107 a, 109 a and 107 b, 109 b as shown inFIG. 12. In some exemplary configurations, positive air pressure may beapplied through the apertures of the guide surface 204 and through thetucking members 218 of the guide member 202.

In an exemplary configuration where the transfer apparatus 220 rotatesthe folded diaper pants 101 about the second axis of rotation 234, suchas shown in FIG. 4B, the tucking process may occur after the foldeddiaper pant 101 is rotated from the first orientation 222 shown in FIG.9A to the second, final orientation 224 shown in FIG. 9B. As shown inFIG. 13, the transfer apparatus 220 may be configured to have a rotatingzone 256 and a tucking zone 258. It is to be appreciated that therotating zone 256 and the tucking zone 258 may have various lengths. Forexample, the rotating zone 256 may be 90° and the tucking zone may be60°. Once the folded diaper pant is rotated, the tucking process maystart.

The guide member may be configured in various ways. As shown in FIG. 14,in some exemplary configurations, the transfer apparatus 220 may beconfigured to rotate the folded diaper pants before advancing the foldeddiaper pants through the gap 210 between the transfer member 230 and theguide member 202. As such, the guide member 202 may only extend alongthe tucking zone 258.

In another exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 15, the guide member202 may be configured as a series of rollers 214. In other exemplaryconfigurations, such as shown in FIG. 16, the guide member 202 may beconfigured as a conveyor 216. It is to be appreciated that in aconfiguration where the guide member is configured as a series ofrollers 214 or as a conveyor 216, the guide surface 204 a may bemoveable in order to guide the folded diaper pants in the machinedirection MD. The guide surface 204 a may be configured such that thecoefficient of friction between the guide surface 204 a and the foldeddiaper pant is relatively low. The rollers 214 and the conveyor 216 maybe configured to apply a positive pressure to the folded diaper pantadvancing through the gap 210.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of transferring discrete absorbentarticles from a first carrier apparatus to a second carrier apparatus,each absorbent article comprising a first waist region and a secondwaist region separated by a crotch region, the method comprising thesteps of: advancing an absorbent article with the first carrierapparatus in a machine direction to a transfer apparatus, the transferapparatus comprising a transfer member, the transfer member having areceiving surface, wherein the transfer member is connected with aframe, wherein a guide member is located adjacent to the transferapparatus, the guide member having a guide surface that is in a facingrelationship with the receiving surface; transferring the absorbentarticle from the first carrier apparatus to the transfer member, whereinthe first waist region is positioned on the receiving surface; advancingthe absorbent article between the receiving surface and the guidesurface by rotating the frame about a first axis of rotation; rotatingthe transfer member about a second axis of rotation as the transferapparatus rotates about the first axis of rotation, wherein the secondaxis of rotation is orthogonal to the first axis of rotation; applying apositive air pressure from the guide surface to the second waist regionof the absorbent article as the absorbent article advances between thereceiving surface and the guide surface; and transferring the absorbentarticle from the transfer apparatus to the second carrier apparatus. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the first carrier apparatus comprises anendless belt and the second carrier apparatus comprises an endless belt.3. The method of claim 1, wherein a gap is formed between the guidesurface and the receiving surface, wherein the gap is defined by a firstdistance at a first end portion of the guide member and a seconddistance at a second end portion of guide member, wherein the seconddistance is shorter than the first distance.
 4. The method of claim 3,further comprising the step of guiding the second waist region intocontact with the first waist region while advancing through the gap. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving surface is curved, whereinthe guide surface is curved to correspond with the curved receivingsurface.
 6. A method for advancing an absorbent article, the absorbentarticle having a first waist region and a second waist region separatedby a crotch region, wherein absorbent article is folded such that thefirst waist region is in a facing relationship with the second waistregion, wherein the absorbent article comprises a first elastic beltjoined with the first waist region and a second elastic belt joined withthe second waist region, wherein the first elastic belt is joined withthe second elastic belt to form first and second side seams, the methodcomprising the steps of: advancing an absorbent article in a machinedirection to a transfer apparatus, wherein the transfer apparatuscomprises a frame and a transfer member rotatably connected with theframe, wherein the transfer member has a receiving surface; advancing anabsorbent article onto the receiving surface of the transfer member;rotating the frame about a first axis of rotation to advance theabsorbent article between the receiving surface and a guide member,wherein the guide member has a guide surface; separating the secondwaist region from the first waist region with centrifugal force; tuckingthe first and second side seams of the first and second elastic beltsbetween the separated first and second waist regions; and guiding thesecond waist region into contact with the first waist region.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the first waist region of the absorbentarticle contacts the receiving surface as the absorbent article advanceson the transfer member and the second waist region is adjacent to theguide surface as the absorbent article advances between the receivingsurface and the guide member.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein theguide surface comprises has a coefficient of friction in the range ofabout 0.2 to about 0.35.
 9. The method of claim 6, further comprisingthe step of concurrently rotating the transfer member about a secondaxis of rotation as the frame rotates about the first axis of rotation,wherein the second axis of rotation is orthogonal to the first axis ofrotation.
 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step ofrotating the absorbent article prior to the step of tucking the firstand second side seams of the first and second elastic belts.
 11. Themethod of claim 7, wherein a gap is formed between the guide surface andthe receiving surface, wherein the gap defines a first distance at afirst end portion of the guide member and a second distance at a secondend portion of guide member, wherein the second distance is shorter thanthe first distance.
 12. An apparatus for controlling an absorbentadvancing in a machine direction, the apparatus comprising: a framerotatable about a first axis of rotation, a transfer member connectedwith the frame, the transfer member having a receiving surface; a guidemember having a guide surface, and having a first end portion and asecond end portion, the guide member positioned adjacent to frame so asto define a gap between the receiving surface and the guide surface,wherein the gap defines a first distance at the first end portion of theguide member and a second distance at the second end portion of theguide member, wherein the second distance is less than the firstdistance; and a side seam tucker located adjacent to the receivingsurface.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the guide surfacecomprise a plurality of apertures, wherein the guide member is adaptedto apply a positive pressure through the apertures.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the guide surface has a coefficient of friction in therange of about 0.2 to about 0.35.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe receiving surface is curved, wherein the guide surface is curved tocorrespond with the curved receiving surface.
 16. The apparatus of claim12, wherein the side seam tucker comprise an air jet.
 17. The apparatusof claim 12, wherein the guide member is rotatable about a second axisof rotation, wherein the second axis of rotation is orthogonal to thefirst axis of rotation.
 18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the sideseam tucker is integral with the guide member.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the guide member comprises a series of rollers. 20.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the guide member comprises aconveyor.